A remarkable story of innovation, sustainability, and international success is putting Sierra Leone’s cocoa industry on the global map, thanks to the efforts of two entrepreneurs and a growing network of Sierra Leonean farmers and chocolatiers.

Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh has spotlighted the inspiring journey of Organic Africa Chocolate, a business rooted in Kenema that now proudly operates a shop in Barcelona, Spain.

 

Writing on social media, Chief Minister Sengeh shared his admiration for the initiative, noting that while many Sierra Leoneans associate Barcelona with football legends like Messi and rising stars like Yamal, the city is also home to a chocolate shop that sells 100% organic products sourced directly from Sierra Leonean farmers such as Nema and Linda.

Related News

 

“I love chocolate, but more importantly, the story behind Organic Africa Chocolate reflects why I believe in President Bio’s vision of human capital investment,” Sengeh wrote. “Together, #WeWillDeliver.”

 

The journey began around 2019/2020, when Sengeh met Sergio Codonyer, one of the co-founders, who at the time had set up a small chocolate lab in his home. Alongside Daniel Scholler, the duo envisioned producing high-quality, pesticide-free chocolate made from Sierra Leonean cocoa, with an emphasis on environmental and community care.

 

From a humble beginning, their network of cocoa farmers has grown to over 2,800. The entrepreneurs established a factory in Kenema and founded Lizard Earth to manage domestic operations, while Organic Africa Chocolate handles international markets. Their chocolate is not only organic and vegan but is made from superfoods like matcha tea, tiger nuts, passion fruit, and oat milk, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.

 

Barcelona was chosen as their first international outlet—a decision that now seems prescient, as the brand gains recognition in Europe and beyond.

 

Crucially, the company also focuses on empowering Sierra Leonean talent. Many of the staff are women, including Fatmata Brima, who was first introduced to Sengeh during an International Women’s Day event organized by the British High Commission. Another, Linda Koroma, is currently training in Barcelona to become a Master Chocolatier. Several others are undergoing similar training in Kenema, elevating Sierra Leonean craftsmanship on the world stage.

 

With global cocoa prices reaching record highs, the impact is being felt across the country. Farmers in Kenema, Kailahun, and other cocoa-growing regions are earning better incomes, while the government benefits from increased foreign exchange—an outcome directly aligned with President Bio’s Feed Salone Agenda, which prioritizes cash crops, export expansion, and job creation.

 

“Jariatu, Fatmata, Nema, Sergio, Daniel, Linda, and the many farmers and chocolatiers are delivering,” Sengeh concluded. “How dare I doubt that together, #WeWillDeliver.”

 

The story of Organic Africa Chocolate is more than a sweet success—it’s a testament to what Sierra Leone can achieve through visionary leadership, local empowerment, and international collaboration.